An old book that I probably read before but I don't remember. Used to be one of my favorite Regency authors. This book was fun to read and I didn't want to put it down. On the other hand, I don't feel like I want to put it in my Keeper pile. The main characters were adult, not stupid in any way, and Selina had an interesting back story. The one thing that bothered me was whether they would really have a HEA or whether they would perhaps misunderstand each other frequently, which they did in the book. ( )

There are two types of romance story dealing with the regency period The regency historical in which bodices can and do get ripped. and the Regency romance in which sex stops at the neckline and often before. this is definitely one of the latter though there is a scene where our heroine repulses a suitor who tries to turn it int the former.what to say stiff necked thoughtfully socialite man decides to stay away from town after a potential falls through and encounter a well to do independent woman who has never come out into society. Like so many romance books it is flawed I often found it hard to judge peoples moods from their behaviour. and there were various inconsistencies but so what a fun read with likable characters ( )

Selina Easterly-Cummings was betrayed twice by men, so she has become understandably wary. She leads a retiring life in the country dedicated to good works and the welfare of her teenage cousin. A quiet life, that is, until Gareth Rushton comes along.

Fresh from a rebuffed proposal, Rushton decides to eschew the Season in order to build a hunting box, and he has his heart set on Selina's land...

This is a fun book with utterly likeable characters. Selina is far from demure or helpless as she manages her own estate as well as the happiness of her charming scamp of a cousin. Rushton is at times overbearing, self-righteous, and altogether too stuck on his supposed 'honor', but that just makes the sparks fly (and he gets over himself).

The book is charming and witty as well as a nice change from the usual Season and ton fare of the Regency. ( )